Our diet plays an important role in our overall health. However, it is especially crucial when we are sick. Eating the right amounts and kind of food can significantly help us become stronger and feel better. Also, radiation or surgery may increase the need for a balanced diet, as chemotherapy and other medication often lead to nutrient imbalance, requiring specific replacement. This is particularly true for patients suffering from malignant mesothelioma.
Around 3000 mesothelioma cases are diagnosed annually in the United States, according to data from the American Cancer Society.
These patients often lose their appetite due to fear and worry about their condition. Moreover, patients taking treatment are unable to eat properly due to side effects like vomiting and nausea, sore throat, dry mouth, changing smell or taste, or even constipation. However, we must understand that when our nutritional needs vary due to severe illnesses like mesothelioma, our diet may also need changes.
This article will discuss the five nutritional tips for mesothelioma patients that will help them boost their body’s natural ability to fight the disease and promote healing and recovery. But before we get into details about the diet, let’s first understand the disease and its risks.
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Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is an aggressive type of cancer caused by long-term exposure to a harmful mineral called asbestos. The cancer develops in the outer lining that protects and covers the outer surface of the body’s organs. Mainly, the disease affects the lining of the lungs, although it can also damage the lining of the heart, tummy, or testicles.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for mesothelioma. But one can help the treatment process and generally feel a bit better by following the nutritional tips below.
1.Antioxidants
To loosely define, antioxidants help repair the damage caused by harmful molecules called free radicals. They can easily be found in many colorful vegetables and fruits, such as potatoes, carrots, spinach, asparagus, avocados, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, and more. Moreover, you can also find antioxidants in beans, nuts, and grains like pinto beans, red beans, walnuts, quinoa, barley, brown rice, or macadamia nuts.
Remember, antioxidants help boost the defense mechanism of our bodies. Moreover, it helps reduce inflammation which is especially beneficial for mesothelioma patients. Thus, if you are suffering from mesothelioma, start eating various antioxidant-rich foods regularly.
2.Healthy Fats
Another important nutritional tip for mesothelioma patients is to consume healthy fats like nuts, olive oil, salmon, plant oils, seafood, or avocados to supply the body with sufficient energy. Healthy fats help with cell development and inflammation. Moreover, the fats found in these foods help support brain function and improve cardiovascular health. It also helps support the body’s response to treatment and gut health.
While mesothelioma treatment places additional demands on the body, involving several chemotherapy, radiation, and surgeries, eating healthy fats helps absorb fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin D. This helps boost immune function and improve bone health. Similarly, healthy fats increase the absorption of essential nutrients, which also helps maximize the body’s response to treatment.
3.Protein
One of the common diet concerns for mesothelioma patients is eating too little protein. Protein is our body’s building block; it helps repair damaged tissues, strengthens the immune system, and protects muscle mass. Indeed, it is the most important nutrient for mesothelioma patients.
The most common high-protein foods include eggs, fish, chicken, nuts, beans, cheese, and seeds. For mesothelioma patients, increasing the protein diet helps deal with treatment effects. It helps them build the resilience to undergo critical procedures like chemotherapy or surgery. It helps the patients restore their muscle mass and damaged tissues, one of the common side effects of suffering from this chronic disease.
Remember, eating plenty of protein and maintaining weight during treatment is the best way to support immune cell repair and regeneration. Thus, aim to include at least 0.60 to 0.75 grams of protein/pound of body weight daily.
4.Stay Hydrated
For mesothelioma patients, staying hydrated at all times cannot be negotiated. This is because patients suffering from this aggressive cancer and undergoing complicated treatment already face the risk of dehydration. In fact, dehydration is one of the most commonly known side effects of cancer treatment. Moreover, radiation treatment or chemotherapy can also cause the body to dehydrate due to other side effects like vomiting, fever, excessive urination, or diarrhea.
Thus, one way to maintain your body fluids is to drink plenty of water. You should also take herbal teas or consume hydrating foods like watermelon. You can also get fluids from other beverages like sports drinks, milk, tea, or moist foods like jello, soup, pudding, or yogurt. All of this will help you maintain fluid balance while promoting overall well-being and comfort.
Most importantly, space out your fluid intake throughout the day and avoid drinking too many fluids in a short period.
5.Small Balanced Meals
One of mesothelioma’s most common side effects is the loss of appetite and improper digestion. Thus, another important nutritional tip is to avoid eating large portions of meals at once. However, eat smaller, frequent meals. Taking small portions of meals throughout the day helps in a steady intake of nutrients.
Some easily accessible small meals that can provide a balanced diet include trail mix, yogurt, or sliced fruits. These foods can give you all the necessary nutrients without stressing the digestive system. It will also help you maintain a healthy weight and restore energy, which helps fight off infection and manage treatment side effects. In short, taking mindful meals or a balanced diet in small portions throughout the day is the best way to stay healthy.
The Final Words
Maintaining a healthy mesothelioma diet or nutritional plan can be daunting for patients as well as caregivers. However, if you understand and can opt for a well-designed nutritional plan, you can improve your immune system and ensure your physical and emotional well-being. So make the most of the above-discussed nutritional tips. It will help you improve your quality of life and heal from the effects of treatment. Good luck!